Making Good|Darkthrone | New Morilanta

[Devon]

Saul sat in large room before a big table where a feast was prepared. Anarchy was there with him as well as his right hand Abel. He had promised the Dread Lord land and today he was going to make good on that promise.

[Kender Bard]

Anarchy was anxious but in a good way. She knew her husband had Gingtaras well in hand. The Dread Lord liked Saul. She had no doubt he'd kill her lover if he saw a good reason or need to, and wouldn't bat an eye, but that was true of everyone in Morilanta; friends, lovers, family. It didn't matter. It was an unspoken acknowledgement between the two of them, as well.

And so she was in a good position to gauge the friendship, such as it was. Unless Saul gave Gingtaras some grievous insult, whatever the outcome of the day would probably be in their favor and everyone would leave happy or at least somewhat satisfied.

One of the slaves of the household approached meekly. "Announcing the Dread Lord Pirate Gingtaras."

And in the man of the hour strode. He had guards, of course, but he had them stay out of the room. It was surprisingly polite and Anarchy was a bit surprised. She hoped it didn't show as she rose and dipped into a curtsy befitting her station and gender. "Lord Gingtaras, a pleasure to see you."

"And you," Gingtaras growled in his low voice, giving her a quick once over with a lustful gaze. But it was brief and then he broke into an ugly smile for Saul. "Ah my dear friend. I've missed you on the isles! Putting up with the company of those damned thieves... It's enough to make a man want to throw himself off his ship, I swear. At least the Thief Lady is happy to stay on her island and be pampered by her den of whores."

[Devon]

Saul rose and greeted Gingtaras with a hearty handshake. "I'm sorry we've had things to take care of on the main land. We do plan to take a trip there soon though, I could use a vacation," the Emperor said. Waving a hand to the seats at the table, Saul retook his and waited for the Dread Lord to sit down.

Once he was seated he had the food brought forth. "Now..I brought you here for a reason, remember that land I promised you?"

[Kender Bard]

"I certainly hadn't forgotten," Gintaras said, looking at the food thoughtfully, but not taking anything yet. "Sounds like you're ready to make good on that deal now?"

Anarchy did the kindness of taking a bit and offering it to Abel to eat, to prove it wasn't poisoned.

[Devon]

Abel did his duty and tasted the food. With a nod to his masters and the fact that he wasn't coughing up blood, he indicated that the food was good to eat.

Saul nodded his head. "I thought I'd give you this feast here in your new home," he said. "Ekaitz joined us and I figured this would be the perfect spot of land for you to start on."

[Kender Bard]

Gintaras rubbed his chin before grabbing a piece of food. "It's an interesting piece," he conceded. "I'll be wanting some maps of the area first, of course. And more information on my new neighbors, heh."

"You don't have much to worry in that ways," Anarchy said. "To the north of us is Acoia, the holy land of Efil. To the southwest, the Beastlands, though you're bordered on their most gentle clan."

Gintaras waved dismissively. It was all only so much words to him. "The land is probably fine," he said. "But I'm interested to know how much of the ocean trade you'll cede to us."

[Devon]

"I'm willing to give you forty percent of Morilanta's ocean trade," Saul said.

"And I'll have maps provided to you as well as information on your neighbors. The main thing I'd be concerned about is your interactions with Acoia and the Beastlands. There is a more aggressive clan in the Beastlands that may warm up to you, but the rest are quieter. Also the Beastlands are in league with that Naruta alliance," Saul said.

[Kender Bard]

"I'll play nicely for a time," Gingtaras told Saul. "Years down the line, when we've both gotten our power consolidated, perhaps then we can put a leash to the curs, no?"

"It will take time," Anarchy warned. "We have no love here. Whatever we plan, whenever we plan it, it will have to be fiendishly cunning."

Gingtaras lifted a drink to Saul. "My lady, I believe that is the very definition of your husband."

[Devon]

Saul raised his glass as well with a broad smile. "That may be true, but it is as my wife says, this will all take time. I don't care to control the world, just to have my share of it for as long as possible. You're very fortunate not to have met Nissar and Bastion."

[Kender Bard]

"Oh?" Gingtaras asked, quaffing his drink.

Anarchy smirked. "One was over zealous, the other went mad in the end. Neither made good allies to anyone, not even each other."

"I consider myself lucky then," Gingtaras replied archly. "Now I don't suppose I'll be facing any problems with whomever you tore this bit of land from for me?"

[Devon]

Saul shook his head and explained, "The former ruler was a young girl. Wise though young, she understands it is much safer in Morilanta being under my wife."

[Kender Bard]

"Good," Gingtaras replied firmly. "I'll start bringing some of my people over here. Fireteeth island was always a volatile hellhole. It'll be nice to not need to worry if your backyard is going to erupt. The people will adjust here, though it's cooler than we're used to."

[Devon]

"Be glad you aren't in Khelek," Saul said. "Its much too cold there for my liking, and I'm sure your people would absolutely hate it."

[Kender Bard]

"Fair enough," Gintaras agreed. "If I recall, my people did make a raid up there once. I recall people talking about floating white landmasses and a cold that seeped into your bones. Sounds hellish. I'll take the fire-spewing mountain over that. At least you die warm."

[Devon]

"Very warm there, from what I know about Naurorod..they seem disconnected at times, but all the clans seem to follow Fira. I haven't seriously toyed with the idea of seeing if I could split them up, but Naurorod hasn't really interested me."